A £1m programme aimed at tackling unemployment has been announced the Liverpool City Region (LCR) which includes Halton with backing from the European Social Fund.

The funds have been granted by the UK Government’s Skills Funding Agency in partnership with LCR Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA), an adult education charity which provides training and learning opportunities for people at risk of exclusion.

An LEP spokeswoman said that over the next two years, the charity will help hundreds of residents who face additional barriers in the workplace such as being lone parents to improve their employability and gain permanent jobs.

She said that although much improved, the LCR has continued to be below the national average, with 6% fewer inhabitants being economically active and nearly 3% more residents having no qualifications.

The WEA will distribute small grants of between £10,000 and £35,000 across Halton and Merseyside to eligible organisations in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector between September 2016 and December 2017.

Funded activities will target those aged 15 and over, from the hardest to reach neighbourhoods.

The funding is aimed at helping all who are out of work, but especially those with disabilities and long-term health conditions, single parents, women, ethnic minorities, over-50s and those planning to return to the workplace after a long period of absence.

The last programme of this kind supported 91 projects in Halton and Merseyside between 2012-15, to a total value of £1.093m and 2,050 participants.

Evaluation of the last contract showed 49% of participants went on to engage in voluntary work, 29% into further learning, 26% into employment and 21% into self-employment, the spokeswoman said.

Asif Hamid, LCR LEP interim chairman and European Structural Investment Fund (ESIF) committee co-chairman, said: “Despite improvements we are still lagging behind national averages and thereby disadvantaging our communities in basic skills needed for the world of work.

"These grants will give much needed support, advice and guidance to assist the long-term unemployed to gain access to work and in turn increase economic growth across our city region.”

Cllr Phil Davies, leader of Wirral Council and ESIF committee co-chairman, said: “The award of this funding is excellent news for unemployed adults across LCR.

“This £1m programme fits with our aims for the city region to create job prospects for all.”

Ruth Spellman, WEA chief executive, said: “The skills gaps in Liverpool city region are more pronounced than in other parts of the country, restricting opportunities for both local residents and businesses.

“The funding announced today will provide a lifeline to those struggling to gain employment by equipping them with the tools that employers need.

“Our programme will benefit hundreds of individuals from some of the most marginalised groups in society but it goes beyond that.

“Improving skills and job prospects will help strengthen families and communities, which are part and parcel of our everyday lives.

“There is no greater poverty than to be without the means to look after yourself and your family.”